Language
Currency
Provence has all the ingredients for unforgettable holidays. Gorgeous landscapes that beckon exploring and outdoor adventure. Cultural riches, world-renowned art, and time-honoured traditions that inspire and delight. Regional gastronomic delights fed by olive trees, vineyards, and abundant farms. Villanovo is happy to share our insider guide to discover all the riches of this spectacular part of southern France.
Stretching from the lavender fields of Alpes-de-Haute Provence to the postcard-perfect villages of the Luberon massif, this region is in a great location in the heart of Provence. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Geopark, the Luberon Regional Natural Park boats 1000kms of trails to explore on a hike, walk, or a bike ride. Don't miss the Colorado Provençal, undulating ochre hills that resemble a mini Grand Canyon.
The Luberon is famous for its picturesque towns which have been lauded as the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Gordes is perched high on a rocky massif - its nearby village of Les Bories featuring tiny rock huts from the 17th century. The 50-shades-of-ochre houses in Roussillon beg to be photographed. Antique lovers will adore Isle-sur-Sorgue while the lesser-known village of Goult offers an escape from the summer crowds.
The massif des Alpilles is a regional natural park that has a stunning mosaic of forests, mountains, and wild scrubland. This idyllic region is revered for its charming villages, natural beauty, and top-notch restaurants. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of the oldest towns in France, has a strong bond with Van Gogh - the artist produced 150 works of art here! Visit the gorgeous monastery where he stayed and the places depicted in his paintings.
Famous for its hilltop fortress and its impressive 360-degree views, the old town of Les Baux-de-Provence brims with historical allure. Don't miss the Carrières des Lumières, where famous artists' works are projected in XXL size on the rock quarry's walls. For smaller Alpilles villages, head to Le Paradou, Eygalières, the Roman sites of Fontvielle, and the olive-oil capital, Mouriès, that teems with over 80,000 trees.
Every town in Provence hosts a weekly farmers' market (the most popular are in Aix-en-Provence and Arles) where locals and tourists alike stock up on regional foodstuffs like chestnut-wrapped goat cheese from Banon, Cavaillon melon, Camargue rice, and prized black truffles from the Luberon's oak forests. Lavender, honey, and olive oil also make delicious souvenirs. Booking a luxury villa with a private chef is a great way to savour Provence's farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and local lamb.
Restaurants of all flavours serve up Provence gastronomy specialties like soupe au pistou, aioli, and bouillabaisse, fish stew. Rub shoulders with locals at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence's best restaurants or treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal at La Petite Maison de Cucuron or L'Oustau de Baumanière in Les-Baux-de-Provence.
For centuries, Provence has lured artists south for its sublime sun and striking landscapes. Nice and its surroundings is a treasure trove of modern art, with the Matisse Chapel, Musée Picasso, and Fondation Maeght. Contemporary art in Provence goes beyond museum walls at Château la Coste, where big-name artists are showcased on a sprawling vineyard outside of Aix-en-Provence
Festivals abound all year, with the summer being prime time. The Festival d'Avignon arts and theatre festival is held across town, including the 14th-century Palais des Papes' magnificent courtyard. Photo buffs will be wowed at the internationally-renowned Rencontres d'Arles photo festival while jazz lovers should chart their course to the Festival de Jazz des Cinq Continents in the port city of Marseille.
It is only fitting that the capital of oh-so-soothing lavender would be the nicest place for pampering. In a former 16th-century palace, the Airelles La Bastide hotel in Gordes is a sumptuous setting for a luxury spa. After treatment soak up panoramic views from their hilltop perch. In Aix-en-Provence, dip into history at Thermes Sextius, a spa built atop Roman baths whose remains you can see from the lobby's glass floor. Lauded by the World Luxury Spa Awards, the spa at the 5-star hotel Castellet has massages, tennis courts and a gastronomic restaurant for you to indulge all your senses.
If you're curious how to get to Provence, the region is easily accessible by plane, train, car, or boat. The airports in Nice, Marseille, and Toulon-Hyères link to many cities in Europe via direct flights while their ports welcome cruise ships. Train stations are located in small and big towns across Provence. You'll want to hire a car to travel within villages on the winding country roads. When you rent a Villanovo property for your Provence holidays, your concierge is happy to advise you on travel plans.
The best time of year to visit Provence depends on your holiday cravings. Spring is ideal for outdoor activities with the flowers in full bloom and mild temperatures. Summer's warm weather is perfect for beach time and al fresco meals from day to night. Note that it is the most touristy since it is prime holiday season. The wine harvest and colourful foliage lure travellers in the fall. The weather is still nice this time of year, though its best to pack layers for the warm days and cool nights. Winter in Provence is cooler than the Côte d'Azur. Enjoy mulled wine at the festive holiday markets and even skiing in the Hautes-Alpes.
Villanovo has a wide range of luxury villas in Provence. Our villas have everything from a private heated pool and a full house staff to a tennis court and a private chef for you and your guests to enjoy your Provence holidays in style and comfort. Our holiday homes come in all sizes, from a 3-bedroom villa for family or a 20-person villa for a big group.
Our villas are located in the best parts of Provence. Uzès, Avignon, Gordes, Les Baux-de-Provence, Aix-en-Provence. Read our guest reviews on our website to guide you.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can focus on your Provence holidays. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs, booking everything from restaurant reservations, a wine tasting tour, or a private chef to pamper you and your guests. Last but not least? Villanovo offers you a beautiful travel diary for each stay in one of our villas. You'll find all our recommendations and great addresses for restaurants, shops and the best places to visit in Provence.
14
7
7
10
5
5
